Illinois HS Hazers Face Expulsion
Several of the students who took part in a hazing episode in Northbrook, Illinois, may now be expelled.
The principal of Glenbrook North High School said that students who've been identified as having taken part in the incident are being suspended. And he says he's going to recommend to the school district that they be expelled.
Principal Michael Riggle said at a Monday press conference that the ten-day suspensions are the maximum penalty that the school itself can hand out. He says it will be up to the school board to decide whether to expel them.
Riggle wouldn't say how many students have been suspended. He says they were identified from the videotapes of the incident, and through interviews with students.
The expelled students will be provided with "alternative education sources" so they can graduate, Riggle said. They will not be allowed to attend graduation or the school prom.
"Their education will not continue on campus," he said.
Students who observed the incident and did nothing to help are not being suspended at this time. "Many are remorseful," Riggle said, calling it a "learning situation." He said the mood at the high school on Monday is "very somber."
Some of the victims may receive punishment as well, Riggle said.
He says the school's investigation found that the students violated laws on hazing and assault -- and that they also violated the school's hazing policy.
Police have said criminal charges are likely.
Videotapes showed girls from the school being beaten and showered with mud, feces and garbage by older girls at a park. Five girls ended up in the hospital with injuries.
Sheriff Michael Green, who also spoke at the press conference, said the police are interested to know who provided alcohol to the teenagers. He said many people were coming forward with information but so far the witnesses want to remain anonymous.
The police are "still looking for solid information to identify the people involved," Green said. "If they provided alcohol to underage people, they will be prosecuted."
"We hear the same names over and over, but there's no confirmation," said the sheriff.
The case is unusual because all of the participants involved were girls.
The older students of Glenbrook North High School allegedly forced younger students to eat raw fish, pet food and dirt. They're also accused of kicking and beating the victims during the incident. One of the victims received stitches to her head and another suffered a broken ankle.